1952-59 Ford Trim question

Getting the car ready for paint has anyone removed the beltline trim off the front window how is this done?? I cant see any screws on the inside

 

It's probably held in with the rubber window seal. Typically, you install the upper and lower trim to the windshield seal when fitting the seal to the gl***, then install both together into the car. Attempting to remove it as installed now will end up in a bent and twisted trim piece, especially if it's been there for forty or so years. It's that way on a '56, and I would guess on other Fords of the fifties as well.

 

The only way to remove it from the '52-54 Ford Shop Manual is to remove the windshield and seal and trim as a unit,to reinstall you have to put the trim in the seal attach the seal and trim to the windshield and install as a unit,NEVER try to remove the trim from the seal with the windshield in place or you will be windshield shopping.This also applies to the rear gl*** too which has to be removed if you are installing a new headliner.If you have the doors open you will find a small phillips head screw on each side of the trim towards the top.

 

Glad you answered it John & Jeff. I think I ruined 2 pieces on my '56 - once they're "sprung" (bent or twisted slightly when removing), there's not too much one can do to "unspring" them. If they've been in there awhile, ***ume you will destroy the rubber seal when removing the trim.

 

the trim piece is shaped like a T. At the bottom of the vertical leg is a 90 degree lip. The inner end of the lip has a very sharp corner on it. Before reinstalling the trim piece grind that corner so it is curved. that will allow you to move the trim piece in the rubber a little bit to position it correctly once the windshield/rubber/trim is in the car. If you don't round that corner the sharp corner digs into the rubber and prevents it from sliding. then as you are pounding on the trim to slide it just a bit, you will leave a big fat dent in it. At least on mine the wiper arm hides the dent.
The really annoying part is that I have a new piece ready to go in. I have replaced the windshield twice and forgotten to take the new piece with me. So I still have the dent. Maybe I will remember next time.